THE MISSION STATEMENT THE MANUAL ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS FOR TRINITY PRESBYTERY

Transcription

1 THE MISSION STATEMENT & THE MANUAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS FOR TRINITY PRESBYTERY

2 Manual Updated and Adopted April 16, 2016

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4 THE MISSION STATEMENT OF TRINITY PRESBYTERY

5 THE MISSION STATEMENT OF TRINITY PRESBYTERY The mission of Trinity Presbytery is to serve Christ in a changing world by: Being open to the movement of God s Spirit: Facilitating the connection and partnership of churches; and, Equipping and encouraging its diverse community in spiritual growth and mission effectiveness. THE GOALS OF TRINITY PRESBYTERY Mission and Outreach - That the Presbytery initiate mission conversations leading to potential cluster partnerships between churches of shared interests and various sizes to be in outreach together. That Presbytery explore with larger churches ways to engage in stronger partnerships for new church development. That Presbytery commit itself to an expanding understanding of and engagement with the growing multicultural nature of our region; and address both the spiritual and social service demands of our new neighbors. Leader Development - That the Presbytery direct the Committee on Ministry to recruit, train and mentor Commissioned Lay Pastors to advocate for their deployment; further, that the COM be directed to develop a sub-committee to focus on this mission emphasis. That Presbytery experiment with regional leadership development in areas such as officer training, youth leaders, etc. Strengthening Partnerships and Relationships - That Presbytery form a task force composed of one representative from the Committee on Ministry, one representative from Presbytery Coordinating Team, one Teaching Elder who has been in our Presbytery for less than three years, one Teaching Elder serving in the Presbytery ten years or more, one Educator and the General Presbyter to develop strategies and an implementation plan for deepening the personal relationship and friendships between Teaching Elder, congregational leaders, and churches in the Presbytery to report back at a later date.

6 That Presbytery become more intentional about drawing on the institutional resources within our Presbytery (such as Presbyterian College, Thornwell, Presbyterian Communities, Campus Ministry, etc.). Communication - That the Presbytery approve the formation of a Coordinating Team Committee of Communication consisting of six (6) members including appropriate staff and Ruling Elders/Members with particular skills in the communications field (both technology and marketing). The responsibilities of this committee would be: Effectively communicating the mission of the Presbytery and designing interpretive materials. Reviewing and overseeing the communications tasks of the Presbytery (newsletters, web pages, etc.) Assisting congregations with technological and interpretive tools. That the Presbytery Personnel Committee develop a position description for Moderator and Vice-Moderator of Presbytery and for Moderator of Presbytery Coordinating Team which will encourage opportunities to be visible and present in all parts of the Presbytery. That Presbytery Coordinating Team be encouraged to plan opportunities for Presbytery-wide dialogue on significant issues facing the Presbytery of the PCUSA as needed. Adopted by Trinity Presbytery February 9, 2008

7 THE MANUAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS TRINITY PRESBYTERY

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9 MANUAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS FOR TRINITY PRESBYTERY M Chapter I. THE PRESBYTERY M This council shall be known as Trinity Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Synod of South Atlantic. M The Presbytery comprises all of the Teaching Elders who have been received into membership under the provisions of the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and all the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations located in the South Carolina counties of Abbeville, Aiken, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenwood, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Richland, and Saluda, and that portion of Kershaw County located west of the Wateree River. M Trinity Presbytery is established by the authority of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Synod of South Atlantic, and has all those duties, authorities, powers, and responsibilities specified by The Book of Order. M Trinity Presbytery and the Trinity Presbytery, Incorporated, shall meet at the same time and place, and in the announcement of the meeting, the term "Trinity Presbytery" shall designate both civil and ecclesiastical functions. M Chapter II. AUTHORITY, AMENDMENTS, AND SUSPENSION M This Manual of Administrative Operations shall establish the basic organization of Trinity Presbytery and provide for its functioning both during and between meetings of the council. M This Manual of Administrative Operations may be amended as follows: A proposed amendment shall be presented in writing to the Coordinating Team of the Presbytery. The Stated Clerk and the Coordinating Team shall review the proposed amendment to ensure that it is in harmony with The Book of Order and with other sections of this Manual. The Council then shall present the proposal to the next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery with its recommendations. To become effective, an amendment must be approved by a majority vote of the members present at one meeting of the Presbytery and submitted without revision for adoption by a majority vote of members present at the next Stated Meeting. M The Presbytery may amend this Manual at any Stated Meeting with a two-thirds vote of those present, provided that notice of the vote and copies of the proposed amendment(s) have been mailed by the Stated Clerk to all Teaching Elders, Clerks of Session, and members of the Presbytery Coordinating team at least ten days prior to the Stated Meeting. Revised and Adopted April 16, 2016 Page 1

10 M This Manual of Administrative Operations may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of members present at any meeting of the Presbytery. The reason for suspension shall be noted in the minutes of Presbytery. M Any amendment to this Manual proposed under suspension of the Manual shall require that notice of the vote and copies of the proposed amendment have been mailed by the Stated Clerk to all Teaching Elders, Clerks of Session, and members of the Presbytery Coordinating Team ten days prior to the Stated Meeting, as provided in M M Chapter III. MEETINGS, MEMBERSHIP, AND ORGANIZATION M MEETINGS, MEMBERSHIP, QUORUM, AND FORMAT M The Presbytery shall meet in Stated Session during the second month of each quarter: on a Saturday morning in February, a Saturday morning in May, a Saturday/Tuesday morning in August (alternating each year), and a Tuesday morning in November.. For the convenience of the Teaching Elders and Sessions, and to facilitate organizational planning, the date, time, and place of the next Stated Meeting shall be announced at the conclusion of each Stated Meeting. Called meetings may be held as necessary and shall be called under the provisions of the Book of Order, G The Moderator shall call a special meeting at the request, or with the concurrence, of two Teaching Elders and two Ruling Elders, the elders being of different churches. Should the Moderator be unable to act, the stated clerk shall, under the same conditions, issue the call. If both the moderator and the stated clerk are unable to act, any three Teaching Elders and three Ruling Elders, the elders being of different churches may call a special meeting of presbytery. M Meeting places shall be recommended to the Presbytery by the Coordinating Team in cooperation with the Moderator and the Stated Clerk. Ordinarily the places of meeting shall be rotated among the churches of the Presbytery; however, the Presbytery may choose some other meeting place to allow a church whose physical facilities cannot accommodate Presbytery to host a meeting at a suitable site in their community. The Presbytery, at its discretion, may also elect to meet at a site outside its bounds when necessary or appropriate. M Churches, institutions, or organizations who host meetings of the Presbytery are expected to provide meeting sites that are accessible to handicapped persons. They shall provide for child care as needed. M The Presbytery shall celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at least once a year (G b), ordinarily at the February (winter) Stated Meeting, and in Revised and Adopted April 16, 2016 Page 2

11 conjunction with a memorial service for Teaching and Ruling Elders who have died during the preceding year. M Institutions, organizations, or individuals desiring to have displays or to distribute materials at Presbytery meetings should notify the Presbytery Office, providing information on space requirements and the names of persons responsible for the displays or materials, and should receive approval of the Presbytery Coordinating Team prior to the meeting date. M The Presbytery shall be governed in its meetings and in the actions of its agencies by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), this Manual of Administrative Operations, and, where neither of these applies, by the most recent edition of Roberts Rules of Order. Decisions are made by those present and VOTING. A vote to abstain has no effect, positive or negative. M Voting members at Presbytery meetings shall include all enrolled ordained Teaching Elders, together with Ruling Elder commissioners elected by the Sessions of churches of the Presbytery in accord with the provisions of The Book of Order, G Also, any Ruling Elder elected moderator of Presbytery, or serving as an officer of the Presbytery, or who is a member of the Coordinating Team (including moderators of Divisions), or holds an exempt staff position in the Presbytery, or chairs the Nominating Committee, the Committee on Representation, or the Permanent Judicial Commission, shall be enrolled and entitled to both voice and vote, whether or not commissioned by a church Session (G ). M A quorum of Presbytery shall be ten (10) percent of the Teaching Elder members and ten (10) percent of Ruling Elder Commissioners to which the churches are entitled, provided that at least three different churches are represented by elders. M Each Teaching Elder, unless Honorably Retired or engaged in service as a military chaplain or overseas missionary, shall be required to attend Stated Meetings of the Presbytery, or shall present reasons acceptable to the Presbytery, through the Stated Clerk, for non-attendance, late arrival, or early departure. M Any executive or spokesperson from the General Assembly, Synod, agencies and institutions of the Church, and certified Christian Educators (G-30104) in the Presbytery, shall have the privilege of the floor, with voice, and their attendance shall be listed in the minutes of Presbytery. M The format for any meeting of the Presbytery, including the Agenda and time, shall be prepared by the Stated Clerk in consultation with the Coordinating Team, and shall be recommended by the Coordinating Team to the opening session of the meeting. The Stated Clerk shall ensure that all constitutional requirements are met. Provisions shall be made for reports from the Coordinating Team, committees, divisions, task forces, and commissions responsible to the Presbytery. Revised and Adopted April 16, 2016 Page 3

12 M AD HOC AND STANDING COMMITTEES M Provision may be made for Ad Hoc Committees as needed by action of the Presbytery. Ad Hoc Committees normally shall terminate with the next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery unless instructed by Presbytery to continue until a specified future date and time. M Provision shall be made for Standing Committees (existing only during the meeting of the Presbytery) as required for the following purposes: a. RESOLUTIONS AND THANKS: to prepare and present to the council appropriate resolutions of appreciation. b. LEAVES OF ABSENCE: to receive and consider requests to be excused from all or any part of the meeting, to certify alternate commissioners, and to recommend appropriate action regarding non-attendance and neglect of duty. c. OTHERS AS MAY BE REQUIRED. M Membership on Ad Hoc Committees and Standing Committees shall be elected by the Presbytery upon nomination by the Moderator. The floor always shall be open for further nominations. M Chapter IV. OFFICERS OF THE PRESBYTERY M The officers of the Presbytery shall be the Moderator, the Vice Moderator, The General Presbyter, the Stated Clerk, and the Treasurer. M At the October Stated Meeting, the Presbytery's Nominating Committee shall present nominations for Moderator and Vice Moderator of the Presbytery. Nominations from the floor shall be received. Upon election at the next Stated Meeting (February) by majority vote of the Presbytery, the Moderator and Vice Moderator shall be installed to begin their terms of service at once. M The Moderator shall serve for one year, presiding at all meetings of Presbytery and performing all the duties prescribed in G The Moderator also shall chair the meetings of the Presbytery corporation. The Moderator shall be a voting member of the Presbytery Coordinating Team, an ex officio member of the Trustees of Presbytery, and an advisory member of the Divisions, committees, and task forces of Presbytery. In preparation for all meetings of the Presbytery, the Moderator shall be responsible, with the Coordinating Team for worship. Revised and Adopted April 16, 2016 Page 4

13 M To provide for continuity in the Presbytery's work, the person serving a one-year term as Moderator of Presbytery ordinarily shall be asked to serve the next year as Moderator of Coordinating Team, for a one-year term. M The Vice Moderator shall serve for one year and shall be an advisory member of Presbytery's Coordinating Team. Should the Moderator leave the Presbytery during his/her term of service, or by incapacity be unable to fulfill the duties of office, the Stated Clerk shall direct the Vice Moderator to assume immediately the position of Moderator. The Nominating Committee then shall present a nominee for Vice Moderator at the next Stated Meeting. M The Presbytery shall elect the Stated Clerk to a three-year term, with the person so elected being eligible for re-election. As Stated Clerk, the person shall serve according to the provisions of The Book of Order and the Manual of Administrative Operations of Trinity Presbytery. The Stated Clerk shall serve as Parliamentarian, and shall assist individuals and groups with advice regarding the presentation of matters to the council. The Stated Clerk annually shall make a written report to the Presbytery upon completion of the Annual Statistical Reports. The Stated Clerk may nominate assistant clerks to the Presbytery, as needed. M The Presbytery shall elect a Treasurer to a 3-year term, with the person so elected being eligible for re-election. The nomination of a Treasurer shall be made by the General Presbyter and the Coordinating Team, and the Treasurer shall serve under the supervision of the General Presbyter. The person elected shall serve as Central Treasurer for all regular Presbytery financial matters, and shall receive and disburse all funds according to the stewardship and financial management policies adopted by the Presbytery. The Treasurer ordinarily shall be the Treasurer of the Presbytery corporation and shall serve as an advisory member of the Presbytery committee responsible for budget administration and financial oversight. M The Presbytery also shall elect a Recording Clerk to serve a term of one year, with eligibility for re-election. The Recording Clerk shall keep minutes of the meetings of Presbytery and perform duties under the direction and supervision of the Stated Clerk. M The Coordinating Team of Presbytery shall determine an annual stipend for persons serving as Treasurer and as Recording Clerk, if those persons are not employed as members of the Presbytery staff. M The Moderator of Presbytery may appoint a temporary clerk or clerks to assist the Stated Clerk during Presbytery meetings and to facilitate the business of the meeting. They shall perform their duties subject to the direction of the Stated Clerk and the Recording Clerk. M Chapter V. PRESBYTERY STAFF Revised and Adopted April 16, 2016 Page 5

14 M DEFINITIONS AND ROLE M The role of the Presbytery staff shall be to facilitate, enable, encourage, resource, and inspire the entire mission and ministry of Trinity Presbytery. Staff members are expected to perform their duties in ways that will enable the interdependent parts of our system of church government to work together harmoniously. Staff shall advise and assist the Coordinating Team and the various divisions, committees, commissions, task forces, and agencies of the Presbytery, but staff members are neither authorized nor expected to accept responsibilities for or to do the work assigned to elected or appointed members of Presbytery agencies. M The Presbytery staff shall comprise the following: a. Executive Staff: the General Presbyter and the Stated Clerk. b. Professional Staff: persons serving in exempt professional positions under the supervision of the General Presbyter and the Coordinating Team of Presbytery. c. Support Staff: All secretarial and support function personnel. M The Staff shall be expected to meet regularly at times designated by the General Presbyter for purposes of communication and coordination of work and to ensure that staff resources are allocated to support the work of Coordinating Team and the agencies of Presbytery in ways that reflect good stewardship of time and talents. M All staff positions and the appropriate range of compensation shall be authorized by the Presbytery upon recommendation of the Coordinating Team. M THE GENERAL PRESBYTER/STATED CLERK M The General Presbyter shall function within Trinity Presbytery as the servant of its constituent churches, seeking to enable their health, their mission and ministry. Within that frame-work, this person shall serve as the Administrative Officer of the Presbytery, and shall represent the Coordinating Team in overseeing the administration and coordination of the entire organizational system of the Presbytery and in supervising all staff members. The General Presbyter shall be responsible for: a. Serving as the head of staff of Trinity Presbytery, working closely with the Personnel Committee and the Coordinating Team as prescribed in the Manual of Administrative Operations. b. Supervising professional and support staff of the Presbytery under the authority of the Coordinating Team. Revised and Adopted April 16, 2016 Page 6

15 c. Employing, supervising, and evaluating support staff, as prescribed in the personnel policies of Presbytery. d. Coordinating staff services for all divisions and committees of Presbytery, fostering good communication among staff members and with the Presbytery. f. Interpreting the work of the Presbytery to local churches and the general public. g Administering the budget of the Presbytery, overseeing the work of the Presbytery Treasurer. h. Facilitating the delivery of services to local congregations. i. Advising the Nominating Committee and the Committee on Representation as they seek broad participation by people representative of our Presbytery's diversity, as mandated by The Book of Order, and in offering equal employment opportunity as required in The Book of Order. j. Serving as an advisory member of the Coordinating Team and the Church Vocations Division. k. Serving as a resource to the Nominating Committee, the Permanent Judicial Commission, and the Board of Trustees of Trinity Presbytery. l. Being sensitive to the pastoral needs of individual church professionals and their families and arranging needed counseling or support services for Teaching Elders and other church professionals in conjunction with the Vocations Division. m. Giving special attention to the needs of small churches, church redevelopment, and new church development. n. Visiting on a systematic basis the congregations of Trinity Presbytery. o. Performing other duties as may become necessary or as may be assigned by the Coordinating Team or the Presbytery. M The Stated Clerk shall function within Trinity Presbytery as the servant of its constituent churches, seeking to enable their health, their mission and ministry. The Stated Clerk shall be responsible for: a. Serving as Stated Clerk of the Presbytery under the constitution of the Church. b. Fostering good communication among staff members and with the Presbytery. Revised June 2015 Page 7

16 c. Interpreting to the Presbytery the policies, programs, and decisions of the General Assembly and Synod. d. Interpreting the work of the Presbytery to local churches and the general public. e. Facilitating the delivery of services to local congregations. f. Overseeing the preparation of a handbook for distribution to Teaching Elders and elder commissioners ten days prior to each Stated Meeting of Presbytery. g. Serving as a resource to the Permanent Judicial Commission and the Division of Council Operations and Institutional Support. h. Performing other duties as may become necessary or as may be assigned by the Coordinating Team or the Presbytery. M When a vacancy occurs in the office of General Presbyter or Stated Clerk, it shall be the responsibility of the Coordinating Team to nominate to the Presbytery a Search Committee for the purpose of seeking a new General Presbyter or Stated Clerk. The person nominated by the Search Committee shall be nominated to the Presbytery for election after consultation with the Coordinating Team M The General Presbyter and the Stated Clerk shall be accountable to Presbytery through the Coordinating Team, which shall provide for an annual review of their job performance and terms of call through the Personnel Sub-committee provided for in M p, with a report and recommendations to be brought to the Coordinating Team for presentation to the Presbytery. M Chapter VI. THE AGENCIES OF THE PRESBYTERY The agencies of Trinity Presbytery shall be all teams, committees, commissions, task forces, divisions, and other work groups established to accomplish the mission and ministry of the Presbytery. Regular attendance of members of any of the above-named agencies is necessary and expected for the effective work of the Presbytery. When a person has unexcused absences from three consecutive meetings of any agency, this shall constitute automatic resignation of the member. The moderator of the agency thus having a vacancy shall notify the moderator of Coordinating Team and the Nominating Committee in order to proceed with replacement of the delinquent member. The term of office for persons elected to serve on all teams, divisions, committees, commissions, task forces, and other agencies shall be three years, except for Revised June 2015 Page 8

17 those persons elected to fill unexpired terms. No person shall serve an aggregate of more than six (6) consecutive years on any agency of Trinity Presbytery. A person shall be eligible for election to further service after one (1) full year has elapsed. M THE COORDINATING TEAM OF PRESBYTERY M The authority of the Presbytery Coordinating Team is derived from the Presbytery itself. Its purpose is to serve as both the executive and the coordinating body of the Presbytery and to promote the programmatic work of the Presbytery. To accomplish this task, the Coordinating Team is empowered to create such committees, task forces, and divisions as are necessary to accomplish its task. The creation of new divisions and agencies, and any subsequent changes in organizational structure proposed by the Coordinating Team, require the approval of the Presbytery. M The Coordinating Team shall determine policy and assign responsibility relating to the work of the agencies of Presbytery. Within the policies established, the divisions and their committees or task forces shall be expected to and are authorized to function in ways they deem best to accomplish their assigned work. The Coordinating Team shall review the work of the various divisions and committees, for the purpose of providing coordination and oversight. Matters requiring policy decisions shall be referred by the divisions to the Coordinating Team with recommendations for appropriate action. M The duties of the Coordinating Team shall include the responsibility to: a. To serve as the executive body of the Presbytery. b. To receive all ordinary presentments to the Presbytery and to provide avenues for their access to the council, if found in order, together with recommendations for their disposition as each may require. c. To implement the policies and decisions of the Presbytery through the professional staff and the agencies of Presbytery. d. To work with the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk to prepare the agenda for each meeting of the Presbytery and to coordinate reports and presentations to Presbytery; to produce a handbook for distribution at least ten days prior to each Stated Meeting to all Teaching Elders, Ruling Elder commissioners, and Christian educators serving churches of the Presbytery; and to give approval to institutions, organizations, and individuals wishing to have displays or to distribute materials at Presbytery meetings. e. To require reports from all agencies, committees, commissions, divisions, and task forces under its jurisdiction, with the reports to be written in clear, Revised June 2015 Page 9

18 simple, narrative language, unless a more formal style of presentation is required; and to approve their standing rules. f. To propose a balanced budget for the Presbytery annually, to administer it in accord with the stewardship and management policies adopted by Presbytery, and to report regularly to the Presbytery on matters of stewardship and financial management. g. To provide annually for an outside audit of the books and financial records of the Presbytery and any agencies responsible to the Presbytery; and to ensure that the results of the audit are included in the minutes of the Presbytery. h. To oversee the work of the General Presbyter (see M ). i. To coordinate all ecumenical concerns for which Presbytery has responsibility. j. To coordinate denominational programs through correspondence, communication, cooperation, and consultation with the General Assembly, the Synod of South Atlantic, and their agencies. k. To hear reports and communications as needed from the divisions of Presbytery and at least annually from Presbyterian Women, the Board of Trustees, institutional representatives, the Permanent Judicial Commission, the Nominating Committee, and the Committee on Representation. l. To assess Presbytery and local church needs, identify potential areas of service and witness, and develop mission priorities and plans through appropriate divisions of Presbytery. m. To evaluate the mission direction and effectiveness of the structure of presbytery, including priorities, plans, policies, programs, and the Mission Statement and Goals, and to recommend revisions. This is an ongoing process, but is required to be done in an intentional manner every five years, with a report and recommendations to be presented to the Presbytery. n. To develop programs and policies for the Presbytery that are consistent with the adopted Mission Statement and Goals, and present same to Presbytery for appropriate action. o. To consider and to approve or disapprove on behalf of Presbytery requests from congregations for permission to take such actions concerning real property as are described in The Book of Order, G , G b, and G with the provision that any such actions shall be reported fully to the next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery and shall be recorded in the Minutes. Revised June 2015 Page 10

19 p. To function through a sub-committee working under the authority of the Coordinating Team as the Personnel Committee of Presbytery, to maintain the "Personnel Policies and Practices Manual" and "Procedural Manual for Dealing with Sexual Misconduct," Trinity Presbytery s Child Protection Policy, and to provide for annual performance evaluations and compensation reviews for members of the Presbytery staff; to review at least every two years the job descriptions of all staff to ensure that there is harmony among the goals of Presbytery, the duties assigned in the job description, and the gifts of the person holding the position. q. To consult with the divisions of Presbytery and with the General Presbyter to assess professional and support staff needs of the Presbytery and to present recommendations to the Presbytery for approval; to ensure that staffing patterns are consistent with the mission, goals, and programming needs of Presbytery. All staff authorized by Presbytery shall be employed according to the provisions of the "Personnel Policies and Practices Manual." r. To recommend to the Presbytery annually the compensation and benefits for all members of Presbytery's staff. s. To review and maintain the "Manual of Administrative Operations of Trinity Presbytery," and to recommend appropriate revisions to Presbytery for action (see M ). t. To provide for worship at each meeting of the Presbytery. u. To be responsible for overseeing mission planning, implementation, and evaluation not specifically assigned to other agencies by The Book of Order. M Any member in good standing in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation within the bounds of Presbytery, together with all Teaching Elders who are members of the Presbytery, shall be eligible for election to membership on the Coordinating Team. Such members ordinarily shall be Ruling Elders, Teaching Elders, or other church professionals. M The voting membership of the Coordinating Team of Presbytery shall be: a. A Moderator, who ordinarily shall be the immediate past Moderator of the Presbytery; or who shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee or nominated from the floor of the Presbytery and elected by the Presbytery. The Moderator shall serve a 1-year term. b. The moderators of the Committee on Ministry, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, The Division of Education and Nurture, the Division of Evangelism and Church Support, the Division of Mission, the Division of Council Operations and Institution Relations, and the Outdoor Ministry Division. Revised June 2015 Page 11

20 c. Nine persons elected for three-year terms by the Presbytery at-large, in three equal classes, to balance the layperson/ Teaching Elder ratio in a. and b. above. d. The Moderator of the Presbytery and the Moderator of the Presbyterian Women. M Advisory membership of Coordinating Team (with voice but not vote) shall include the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk, Presbytery Staff Associates authorized by Presbytery, the Presbytery Treasurer, and the Vice Moderator of Presbytery. M Ordinarily no person shall serve more than three (3) consecutive years on the Council, and no person shall succeed himself/ herself. M The Coordinating Team shall meet in preparation for the Stated Meetings of Presbytery, and shall meet on the call of the Coordinating Team Moderator at other times as required. M A quorum shall consist of one-third of the voting membership. M The Coordinating Team Executive Committee shall comprise the Coordinating Team Moderator (who serves as chair), Vice Moderator, and Secretary; the Moderator of Presbytery; and the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk. The Executive Committee shall plan for Coordinating Team meetings and shall meet on the call of the Coordinating Team Moderator. It shall carry out only approved Coordinating Team programs and policies between meetings of Coordinating Team. M The Executive Committee shall function as a Presbytery Office Committee to advise the General Presbyter regarding the operation of the office, its physical facilities, and its operational policies. M THE DIVISION OF CHURCH VOCATIONS M The Division of Church Vocations shall be responsible for all of those areas that pertain to the recruitment, education, care, and continuing development of Teaching Elders, church educators, and commissioned workers. Within this Division are two constitutional committees which report directly to the Presbytery: the Committee on Ministry; and the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. M THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY shall function according to the provisions of the Book of Order, G and G It shall have the authority of Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relationship in cases where the congregation and Ruling Elder concur (G-2.09). Revised June 2015 Page 12

21 The Committee shall have responsibility for all Teaching Elder members of Presbytery, Teaching Elders seeking membership, candidates seeking ordination, Christian Educators, Pastor Nominating Committees, and Educator Search Committees. All Teaching Elders seeking membership in the Presbytery and all candidates seeking ordination and membership in the Presbytery shall be examined by this Committee in preparation for the examination and reception by the Presbytery (G ). In all matters regarding Teaching Elders, calls to Teaching Elders from churches, the appropriateness of Teaching Elder s work, and the relationship between Teaching Elders and congregations, or educators and congregations, the Committee on Ministry shall report directly to the Presbytery as part of the Division of Church Vocations' report. M The Committee on Ministry shall have responsibility for administration of the Mitchell Loan Fund held by Presbytery. M a. The Committee on Ministry shall exercise responsibility for the professional development of Teaching Elders, church educators, and commissioned workers, providing conferences, seminars, and continuing education opportunities for these persons. They shall oversee the distribution of available scholarship funds for continuing education for church professionals. b. The Committee is responsible for pastoral care and support of church professionals, for developing opportunities for fellowship and guidance, and for attending to the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of these persons and their families. They should be aware particularly of persons with special needs for care. They shall seek to develop colleague groups for clergy, educators, and spouses. c. The Committee is responsible for interpreting and promoting the work of the Board of Pensions among Teaching Elders, educators, and members of the Benefits Plan. It shall take care to provide information on material support and benefits available to church workers. M Membership on the Committee on Ministry shall be at least twenty-four (24) and as many as thirty (30) people with equal numbers of Ruling Elders and Teaching Elders (G and F ). There shall be three classes, with members serving terms of three years, and no one serving more than two consecutive terms or consecutive portions of terms. To comply with the spirit of G one Certified Christian Educator shall be seated with the Committee, with voice and vote. All members shall be elected by the Presbytery through its regular nominations process. Any member in good standing in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation within the bounds of Trinity Presbytery, together with all Teaching Elders who are members of the Presbytery, shall be eligible for election to this committee. Revised June 2015 Page 13

22 M The Moderator of the Committee on Ministry and the Moderator of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry shall be elected by the Presbytery through its regular nominations process. Both shall serve as members of the Coordinating Team of Presbytery and shall report to each stated meeting of Presbytery. M THE COMMITTEE ON PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY shall function according to the provisions of the Book of Order, G The Committee shall report directly to the Presbytery regarding its work with candidates. M a. As provided in G , G , the Committee shall have power to enroll inquirers, with the provision that the action shall be reported to the next stated meeting of the Presbytery (G ). b. The Committee shall make a definite recommendation to the Presbytery with respect to whether an inquirer should be received as a candidate. Presbytery shall act on every committee recommendation regarding application for candidacy (G , G ). M This Committee shall appoint the Presbytery's representative or representatives to the Presbyteries' Cooperative Committee on Examinations (G b) and shall report the name(s) of the person(s) appointed to the Presbytery for confirmation. M Membership on the Committee on Preparation for Ministry shall be fifteen (15) persons with the numbers of Teaching Elders and laypersons as nearly equal as possible. There shall be three classes, with persons serving three-year terms. All members shall be elected by the Presbytery through its regular nominations process. Any member in good standing in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation within the bounds of Trinity Presbytery, together with all Teaching Elders who are members of the Presbytery, shall be eligible for election to this committee. M THE DIVISION OF EDUCATION AND NURTURE M The Division of Education and Nurture shall be responsible for events and activities concerned with Christian education and congregational nurture for persons of all ages. It shall seek to provide Presbytery-wide educational events that will include, but not be limited to: a. Church school administration and development; curriculum development and promotion of PC(USA) curriculum; b. Teacher and leader development, including church officers; c. Ministries to children (including child care and child development programs), Mid-High and Senior High youth; d. Family ministries and parenting skills; Revised June 2015 Page 14

23 e. Adult ministries, including young adults, older adults, and single persons. f. Physically-challenged persons; g. Reformed worship and spiritual renewal. M The Division shall work with the Educator Advocacy Committee of the Committee on Ministry to offer support for local church educators. M Membership on the Division of Education and Nurture shall comprise twelve to eighteen persons, at least one-third of whom shall be Teaching Elders. Members shall serve three-year terms, with no person serving more than two consecutive terms or consecutive portions of terms. All members shall be elected through the regular nomination process of presbytery. M Persons who have special interests or expertise in a particular area of the Division's work may be co-opted by the Division to serve up to three consecutive years on sub-committees and task forces created by the Division without jeopardizing their ability to serve in an elected position elsewhere in the Presbytery structure. M THE DIVISION OF MISSION M The Division of Mission has general responsibility for encouraging and enabling the Presbytery to direct its attention and resources to the needs of the world and to the relationship between the church and the community. Through its subcommittees and task forces, the Division shall provide education and motivation to local churches and to the Presbytery to become involved in global mission and mission partnerships, as well as in responses to justice issues throughout the world. M The Division shall make the congregations and the Presbytery aware of opportunities for mission beyond itself in the following areas: a. Global Mission: The Division shall interpret and promote the global mission program of the Presbyterian Church (USA) among the churches, including opportunities for support and service in the various fields of missionary work. The Division shall encourage visits to mission fields, participation in volunteer programs, and other personal involvement in mission. b. Hunger: The Division shall interpret to the churches and the Presbytery the Hunger Action Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA), raising awareness of the needs and providing avenues for response, and administering the funds generated. c. Justice Concerns: The Division shall advocate for, provide educational information about, and support theologically-informed responses to social Revised June 2015 Page 15

24 justice issues in this country and around the world. In fulfillment of this responsibility, the Division, or its sub-committee, should take care to consider positions taken by the Presbyterian Church (USA), and any program opportunities available. d. Local Mission Enabling: The Division shall encourage and enable the involvement of the Presbytery's churches in mission and ministry in their communities. This may include but not be limited to Habitat for Humanity, medical clinics, AIDS ministry, literacy programs, migrant ministry, ministries to victims of violence and abuse, mental health programs, as examples. M The membership of the Division of Mission shall be fifteen (15) persons, with at least one-third of the membership being Teaching Elders. Members shall serve three-year terms, and no person may serve more than two consecutive terms or consecutive portions of terms. All members shall be elected by the Presbytery through the regular nominations process. M Persons with special interests or expertise in particular areas of the Division's work may be co-opted to serve on sub-committees and task forces created by the Division for up to three years without jeopardizing their eligibility to serve in an elected position elsewhere in the Presbytery structure. M THE DIVISION OF EVANGELISM AND CHURCH SUPPORT M The Division of Evangelism and Church Support shall have general responsibility for planning and promoting evangelistic work within the congregations and for planning and coordinating the development of new churches and the redevelopment of existing congregations. The Division shall give special attention to the smaller-membership churches throughout the Presbytery, seeking ways to strengthen their ministries. The Division has responsibility for being aware of, and for sharing with the Presbytery, the particular concerns of the racial-ethnic communities of the Presbytery, developing goals and strategies for appropriate responses to those concerns. M In fulfillment of its responsibilities, the Division shall a. Promote effective programs and strategies for evangelism and outreach within congregations of the presbytery. b. Determine the appropriate time and place for the purchase of property for new church developments; develop a workable model and strategy for organizing new congregations; oversee the establishment of new churches; and encourage existing congregations to be involved in organizing and colonizing new congregations. Revised June 2015 Page 16

25 c. Work with the Committee on Ministry to identity congregations that may be candidates for redevelopment and assist in the study and evaluation of those churches with a view toward seeking funding for redevelopment. d. Develop guidelines for churches seeking aid (salary sustentation or redevelopment grants) and recommend programmatic assistance or financial aid; implement a systematic annual evaluation of all aid-receiving churches. e. Work with churches seeking assistance in goal-setting, long-range planning, and congregational mission analysis. f. Maintain a network of support and resourcing for smaller-member churches. g. Assist churches in writing grant proposals for the Synod and General Assembly grant programs. h. Administer the Johnson Loan Fund; review and endorse applications to Synod's Hemphill Loan Fund; administer the Trinity Builders Fund. M The Division shall be responsible for maintaining a liaison with the Campus Ministry program at USC, and shall maintain contact with campuses throughout the state. It regularly shall advise the Presbytery and its churches about our denomination's activities in higher education as one of the significant fields of evangelism and outreach. The Division shall encourage congregations located in or near college communities to explore the possibilities of ministry to students and staff members at those institutions. M Membership of the Division shall consist of eighteen (18) persons, one-half of whom shall be Teaching Elders. They shall serve terms of three years, but no one shall serve more than two consecutive terms or consecutive portions of terms. All persons shall be elected by the Presbytery through the regular nomination process. M Persons with special interests or expertise in particular areas of the Division's work may be co-opted to serve on sub-committees and task forces which the Division may create for up to three years without jeopardizing their eligibility to serve in an elected position elsewhere in the Presbytery structure. M THE DIVISION OF COUNCIL OPERATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS M The Division of Council Operations and Institutions shall be responsible for coordinating relationships between the Presbytery and the institutions supported by it, the councils over which the Presbytery has jurisdiction, and all other councils unless otherwise specified in this Manual of Administrative Operations. M This Division shall be responsible for developing the annual budget of the Presbytery. The process shall be one of negotiation and open communication within the community of Presbytery. The Division shall gather from the various Revised June 2015 Page 17

26 divisions, committees, task forces, and other entities of the Presbytery their program proposals and budget requests for the following year during the first quarter of each calendar year, and shall prepare from these requests a budget of needs and objectives for the following calendar year. The budget of needs shall be reported to the Coordinating Team for review and shall be presented to the meeting of the Presbytery in late Spring for information. A schedule of proposed askings from the churches shall be prepared and presented to the Presbytery and to the churches at the earliest possible date. After any necessary refinements and adjustments, a budget shall be presented to the Fall meeting as the Proposed Budget for the Presbytery, and shall include projected support for higher councils and institutions. After the churches have responded to the annual mission funding askings, a balanced Spending Budget shall be negotiated among the Divisions and entities of the Presbytery and shall be presented to the February meeting of the Presbytery together with a demonstration of how it is to be supported. At that meeting it shall be adopted by the Presbytery for implementation. M This Division shall prepare and recommend to the Coordinating Team and to the Presbytery suggested mission funding askings from each congregation with justification for these askings. The askings may be separated into the categories of Per Capita Apportionments, Unified Giving, Theological Education Fund. It shall be made clear that Selected Giving by congregations does not fund or affect the Operating Budget of Presbytery. These askings shall be presented to the Churches as part of a mission education/stewardship promotion effort annually. M The Division shall work with the Presbytery's Associate for Finance and Administration to monitor revenue and expense budgets of Presbytery and to oversee all funds held by the Presbytery. Requests for expenditures not in the approved budget shall require the review and approval of this Division. Proposals for capital campaigns and special offerings will be received and studied by this Division, which shall make recommendations to Presbytery. M The Division shall work with the Stated Clerk and the Associate for Finance and Administration to provide annual training for Clerks of Session, Church Treasurers, and Commissioners elected to attend the General Assembly. M This Division shall be responsible for developing and monitoring the systems of communication that enable timely and relevant information to flow between congregations, Divisions, the Coordinating Team, individuals, and institutions. M This Division shall be responsible for the annual review of the Sessional Records of all churches, and shall review biennially the registers of the churches. M The Division shall review proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and recommend action to Presbytery in accordance with the Book of Order, G Revised June 2015 Page 18

27 M Any overtures and resolutions addressed to Presbytery or to higher councils shall be reviewed by this Division in consultation with the Stated Clerk, and shall be presented to the Presbytery along with recommendations for response. M Annually the Division shall request from institutions supported by the Presbytery's budget a report on their ministries. This shall include the Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina; the William Brearley Home and the South Carolina Inn at Montreat; Thornwell Home for Children; Presbyterian College; Villa International-Atlanta; the South Carolina Campus Ministry Cabinet; and the South Carolina Christian Action Council. M Membership on the Division of Council Operations and Institutions shall comprise at least nine (9) and as many as eighteen (18) people, one-half of whom shall be Teaching Elders. The term of service shall be three years, with no one serving more than two consecutive terms or consecutive portions of terms. All members shall be elected by the Presbytery through the regular nomination process. Any member in good standing in a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation within the bounds of Trinity Presbytery, together with all Teaching Elders who are members of the Presbytery, shall be eligible for election to this committee. M Persons with special interests or expertise in particular areas of the Division's work may be co-opted to serve for no more than three years on a sub-committee or task force created by the Division, without jeopardizing that person's eligibility to serve in an elected position elsewhere in the Presbytery structure. M OUTDOOR MINISTRY DIVISION M The Outdoor Ministry Division shall be responsible for coordinating the mission of outdoor ministry of Trinity Presbytery. The Division will be mindful of promoting the theological, educational, and ecological possibilities for furthering God s call of disciples through the planning and implementation of programs for Trinity Presbytery and especially at Fellowship Camp & Conference Center. It will seek to provide events that will include, but not be limited to: a. on-going annual summer camps; non-summer events such as retreats, meetings, confirmation and officer training; parenting; ecological/environmental education; b. the development of partnerships with local educational institutions, business, and community organizations that promote and enhance the ecological/environmental issues associated with the camp and region. c. modeling the principles of environmental science and the practices of good stewardship of God s creation; d. reach out to local groups in ways that make the camp and presbytery relevant to the local community and which demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Revised June 2015 Page 19